merrion street

Taoiseach Enda Kenny today wished Team Ireland success at the Paralympic Games in London:

 I would like to take this opportunity to wish Team Ireland, athletes, coaches, mentors, every success at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

To represent your country is a wonderful honour and a tremendous personal achievement. Competing at Olympic level requires commitment, dedication, discipline, sacrifice and a lot of hard work. The training regimes of participants have ensured that they have qualified to compete in London and I want to congratulate each and every one of them as they represent Ireland in the coming days.

Irish Paralympians have shown in the past that they compete with success at the highest level. Their achievements over the last number of years have been a great source of pride and inspiration to other athletes. Team Ireland enters these Games with five reigning World Champions and two defending Paralympic Champions and I look forward to the Irish Flag being hoisted at medal ceremonies over the course of the Games.

Irish Paralympians have always represented their country with great honour, pride and distinction. They have inspired us with dedication to their sports, and are wonderful Ambassadors for Ireland and I join with everyone in this country in wishing them every success at the 2012 Games.